Trauma

If you have suffered a head injury, are bleeding profusely, have vomited, difficulty breathing or have been unconscious – please seek urgent medical advice

Self-help advice

• Gently rinse out with salt water, if you feel safe to do, to be able to assess/visualise any damage
• If it is bleeding, apply a damp gauze/handkerchief to the area for 20 minutes and remain still
• If an adult tooth has fallen out completely, and you feel confident to do so, grab the tooth from the crown (the white part, not the brown root), rinse under water and place tooth back in its socket
  • If unable to replace, place the tooth in a cup with milk or saliva until you can see an emergency dentist
  • Please note- baby teeth are NOT to be placed back in the socket
• Chipped or broken teeth – if causing pain then take simple painkillers such as paracetamol/ibuprofen (provided you are not allergic, follow the instructions and do not exceed maximum dosage)
• Most small cuts to lips or cheeks will often heal on their own

Professional Treatment Available (following detailed history and examination)

• Help stemming the bleeding via sutures or clotting agents
• If teeth have moved – help repositioning and splinting teeth if appropriate
• If teeth have fallen out – help reinserting and splinting if appropriate
• Repairing broken teeth or dressing them for comfort
• Initiating root canal treatment if deemed necessary